Marco Polo Hotel is just one of several landmarks that make up Cebu City's marvelous mountainside district. While the flat and coastal areas offer enough variety for you to try, the hillside is equally good with as many restaurants, attractions, and even accommodations that are worth your investment. 

In those hills, there is one place that has, since my visit, slowly become one of my all-time favorites. Vue by Delice provides meals that both fill you up easily and don't break the bank (yes, I'm saying this from experience!). In addition to the money-saving entrees, the staggering views of Metro Cebu help make the dining experience better by a mile. 

Vue opens everyday at 11am for brunch orders. However, I highly recommend heading there at night, when bright city lights illuminate the skyline.

Another hillside dining spot that you can add to your itinerary is La Vie in the Sky, recently re-branded as La Parisienne SKY. It's one of several restaurants of its kind splayed throughout Metro Cebu, joining other branches such as La Parisienne Mactan and the original La Parisienne in Lahug. It's well-known for its tasteful selection of wines, top-notch meats and cheeses, refined French pastries, and, especially for younger guests, a colorful display of gelato flavors.

While taking a bite, you'll be instantly captivated by La Parisienne SKY's gorgeous interiors. They're so alluring, even I couldn't help but go around the place to take tons of pictures!

There are tons of food choices here in Cebu City to which you can explore in your free time. If you're looking for what's considered a true foodie's paradise, look no further than Sugbo Mercado! You'll find every kind of dish in many of the market's stalls, and these range from Cebuano staples such as lechon belly to sweet desserts such as ice cream. 

A pioneer among the food markets in the city, Sugbo Mercado is a popular hangout spot among residents, white-collar workers, students, and even visitors from far and wide. Best of all, it's just right across from Seda Central Bloc - so no need to ride long distances to get your food cravings satisfied!

While this villa offers remarkable views of Cebu City's tranquil hills, a different view awaits in a location that's just a swift drive away. Tops Lookout bears sweeping views of the island's alluring eastward seaside, covering numerous towns and cities from Consolacion to Talisay. 

At the time of writing this tip, Tops was temporarily shut down to make way for redevelopment, with plans to open again as a lifestyle hub in 2024. For the time being, you may stop over at the nearby parking lot for unlimited photo opportunities. There are even plenty of dining options in the vicinity, as well.

If you're a devout Catholic, searching for moments of zen, or just curious about local life, it's worth spending at least an hour here in the Basilica. There's plenty to do within the premises. You can make a wish by lighting a candle at the "dagkutan", heading to the garden to relax, or joining the long queue to venerate the sacred image of the Holy Child.

I've been going to the Santo Niño Church a lot lately. Whether I'm by myself or with my family, I can appreciate the serenity and peace its environment gives me. Masses are held every day. On Mondays through Thursdays then on Saturdays, the first mass begins at 7am. Fridays and Sundays see a much earlier start at 5am. For full mass times, you can refer to the Basilica's Facebook page - search "Basilica Minore del Santo Niño".

As the festive holidays draw near, a lively market takes over Colon Street for the night. You'll enjoy its loaded offering of food choices, shopping options, and even souvenirs to take home everywhere you go. I had the opportunity to visit the night market last year, and let me tell you, a bunch of great deals are hidden within those endless rows of stalls. Just look at the several pairs of pre-loved pants that I bought over there!

The Colon Night Market opens in late October and is active throughout the end of January the following year. Much of the road is closed off to give way for vendors, so if you happen to be traveling by car, jeep, or habal-habal (motorcycle taxi), it's best to stop over at a few key areas, such as the Gaisano Metro store.